4-H Clover Graphics

The 4-H Name & Emblem is a highly valued mark within our country’s history. As such, it was granted a very unique and special status; it is in a category similar to the Presidential Seal and the Olympic Emblem.

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Green Ink Color: PMS 347

Guidelines for Authorized Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem

The 4-H Name & Emblem is a highly valued mark within our country’s history. As such, it was granted a very unique and special status; it is in a category similar to the Presidential Seal and the Olympic Emblem. This federal protection makes it a mark into and of itself with protection that supercedes the limited authorities of both a trademark and a copyright. As a result, responsibility and stewardship for the 4-H Name & Emblem were not given to the U.S. Patent Office but were given to a higher level of the federal government, a member of the Cabinet, the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary has responsibility for the 4-H Name and Emblem, at the direct request of Congress. The “18 USC 707” is the statement in the United States Code that outlines the protection of the 4-H Name & Emblem.

The official 4-H Emblem is a clover with four leaves and an “H” on each leaf. The clover’s stem must point to the right as you look at the image. The 4-H Emblem is not a plain four-leaf clover. The 4-H Emblem should appear in specific colors and in its entirety. The 4-H Name & Emblem belongs to the 4-H Youth Development Program, under the authority of USDA and anyone wishing to use it must obtain permission to use it ahead of time.

Using the 4-H Name and Emblem, from National 4-H Headquarters (PDF)

Who Can Authorize the Use of the 4-H Name and/or Emblem?

Authorization for all uses of the 4-H name and/or Emblem must be granted by the following:

1. Interstate (two or more states)--USDA National 4-H Headquarters
2. Intrastate (within one state boundary)--State 4-H Program Leader.
3. Within one county--Cooperative Extension System staff located in the county in which the 4-H Name and/or Emblem are to be used.

Federal Statute Protection and Penalties

The 4-H Name and Emblem are protected under federal statute (Title 18, U.S.C. 707) which states:

Whoever, with intent to defraud, wears or displays the sign or emblem of the 4-H clubs, consisting of a green four-leaf clover with stem, and the letter H in white or gold on each leaflet, or any insignia in colorable imitation thereof, for the purpose of inducing the belief that he is a member of, associated with, or an agent or representative for the 4-H clubs; or

Whoever, whether an individual, partnership, corporation or association, other than the 4-H clubs and those duly authorized by them, the representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture, the land-grant colleges, and persons authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture, uses, within the United States, such emblem or any sign, insignia, or symbol in colorable imitation thereof, or the words "4-H Club" or "4-H Clubs" or any combination of these or other words or characters in colorable imitation thereof-- Shall be fined not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for groups, or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Procedures for Reporting Violations of the Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem, from the National 4-H Headquarters (PDF)

California 4-H

For more information about authorizing the 4-H Name and Emblem within California, please contact:

• Your local County Cooperative Extension 4-H Office.  List available here.
• The California State 4-H Office at fourhstateofc@ucdavis.edu or 530-754-8518.

4-H Around the World